Traces of various cultures can be found on the Croatian peninsula of Zadar. The city of the same name with it – the center of the peninsula – resembles a colorful mosaic, only made up not of smalt, but of various buildings and structures. Residential buildings built in the 19th century, the ruins of the ancient Roman forum, the Roman Cathedral of St. Anastasia, the Church of the Holy Trinity – all this makes up a colorful and diverse picture of the city.
How to get there
The city – by Croatian standards – is large, more than 70 thousand people live in it. The color of the city is largely due to the fact that it is located on a narrow long peninsula on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Zadar has its own international airport, from which it is not a problem to get to the city by taxi or bus. True, the bus station is located at some distance from the old city, about 20-25 minutes walk.
According to A2zgov, Zadar is connected by bus not only with the airport, but also with other major cities of the country, as well as with several cities in Herzegovina and Bosnia and some European capitals. With coastal cities, as well as with the islands of the Zadar archipelago, Zadar is connected by ferry lines, while the ferry connects it with the Italian city of Ancona. When planning an independent car trip to Zadar, you should remember that there are many toll roads in Croatia, and the allowed amount of alcohol in the blood of a driver is 0%.
The beaches of Zadar
The first thing that can be said about a holiday in Zadar is a holiday in one of the most beautiful cities on the Adriatic coast. The coast here is intricately indented with bays and coves, pine trees sometimes grow a few meters from the water. There is a clear sea, beautiful sandy and pebble beaches – that’s why many people come here to relax with their children. Love this resort and adherents of diving and spearfishing. The proximity of the islands makes the rest very diverse and eventful and emotional, because even a trip by ferry to the archipelago is by no means an everyday event for many.
Hotels and restaurants
There are many hotels in the city. Regardless of the number of “stars” on the sign, they offer professional service and genuine hospitality, resulting in a comfortable stay. Many restaurants and nightclubs of the city allow you to fill the nightlife with colors and melodies. Tourists are also interested in events such as jousting tournaments.
The peculiarity of the local tournaments is that anyone can get their hands on armor and corresponding weapons and take part in the tournament.
During the day, restaurants and cafes offer a varied menu based on European cuisine and Croatian national dishes, among which there are many fish (the presence of nearby islands affects). Seafood dishes are prepared, as a rule, according to local recipes, allowing you to enjoy all the nuances of the taste of seafood. In addition, it is in Zadar that the Maraska factory is located, which produces the famous Maraschino liqueur from local cherries, known throughout the world. Liquor is excellent both as a drink and as a souvenir from Croatia.
Entertainment and attractions of Zadar
The nature of the peninsula is diverse. Not far from the city there are national natural parks: Kornati, Paklenitsy, Northern Velebit. Speleologists will be interested in numerous karst caves here. Visiting some of them is a real extreme sport that requires special training. Winters are mild and summers are usually dry and hot. The Dalmatian coast is considered one of the sunniest regions in Europe, with more sunny days than anywhere else.
Like many cities on the Adriatic coast, Zadar changed its owners more than once. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Rising once again from the ruins, the city acquired new features characteristic of the era. You can get a general idea of the city, and just admire the magnificent panoramas, by climbing the City Tower, in the upper part of which there is an observation platform. Fragments of the ancient Forum have been preserved in the city, on the ruins of which the Holy Trinity Church with a very beautiful bell tower was built.
One of the most famous sights of the city is the Church of the Virgin Mary, built in the Romanesque style. The church belongs to a Benedictine monastery, which houses a museum of religious art. The historical center of the city is the square called Narodni trg, the architectural ensemble of which is made in the Renaissance style. One of the sights of the city is the local organ Morske orgulje, the sound of which is highly appreciated by connoisseurs.
Other attractions: the first Croatian university, the Benedictine monastery (inside – the Museum of Church Art), the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, the Franciscan monastery, the churches of St. Krsevan, St. Peter, St. Simun and St. Mihovil. The Archaeological Museum of Zadar, the beautiful National Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Ethnological Museum in the old watchtower are widely known.
